Presidency: dialogue with civil society matters

Volunteering by itself presupposes a community, generates a measurable business profit, and offers an opportunity to renew the European idea, Mr Schmitt stressed adding that volunteering is in the interest of the entire community.

The President of the Republic highlighted that the Lisbon Treaty also obliges governments to regularly consult with NGOs. Mr Schmitt reminded the audience that the European Union declared this year the European Year of Volunteering. The President proposed everybody should decide whether they belong to 70 percent of Europeans, who do not contribute to the work of any NGO and do not perform any voluntary activity, or to the 30 percent, which acts for the community.

Enikő Győri, Minister of State for EU Affairs of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that EU regulations and directives are only valid if they “link people”. It is important to make the general public understand that the tens of thousands of people preparing the EU’s legislation are really working for them.

The Minister of State reminded the participants that the Hungarian Presidency had more ambitions than simply holding the meetings prescribed by law. Accordingly, the Hungarian Government held several meetings with NGOs and organised a high-profile forum before taking over the Presidency, to discuss the Presidency’s priorities with NGOs, said Ms Győri. She added that the Presidency had held a regular dialogue with civil society before the informal meetings of ministers. Ms Győri expressed hope that the good relations established between the Government and NGOs during the Presidency will survive the Presidency’s term.

Of the initiatives made during the Presidency, Ms Győri highlighted the event “Roma, Talent, and Chances”, the “Seven-League Digital Road Show” to be held with egyszervolt.hu, and the voluntary and charitable events organised by Hungary’s embassies in several countries. Europe can be really strong through its citizens, and this is a matter of self-conscience, heart and spirit, said Enikő Győri.

The opening ceremony of the European Civil Meeting included a speech by Staffan Nilsson, President of the European Economic and Social Committee, who promised to incorporate in their working documents the reports of the working groups of this conference, too. Mr Nilsson highlighted the importance of dialogue with NGOs, and congratulated the Hungarian Presidency for its achievements in this field.